In a historic move, the Baltic states have left the BRELL energy system and are set to synchronize with the European power grid, reducing reliance on Russia.
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia successfully disconnect from Russia’s power grid, advancing their energy independence and strengthening ties with the EU. Image:/ Illustration: ChicHue
Vilnius, Lithuania — February 10, 2025:
The Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have successfully disconnected from the energy grid they have shared with Russia and Belarus for decades. The disconnection, completed on Saturday, is a key step in the countries' efforts to integrate more closely with the European Union's energy network. The trio is now poised to synchronize with the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E).
The move ends the long-standing BRELL system (Belarus, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) that had ensured a stable electricity supply in the region since the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, following their full sovereignty and EU membership, the Baltic states have distanced themselves from Russia and Belarus, particularly after tensions escalated with the West.
In 2018, the Baltic countries signed an agreement with the European Commission to synchronize their grids with ENTSO-E, a process set to unfold in two phases. Saturday's disconnection represents the first stage, with the second phase of complete integration into the European grid expected by Sunday, assuming no technical issues arise.
Russian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, acknowledged that the Baltic states made the decision independently but raised concerns about potential technical challenges and economic repercussions. Experts caution that Baltic consumers could face higher energy costs, given that Russia's energy resources traditionally offered more affordable tariffs.
The shift also impacts Russia's Kaliningrad region, which had relied on the shared grid. In response, Russian authorities have accelerated the construction of new energy generation facilities to secure power for the region.
Meanwhile, Belarusian officials downplayed the disconnection's significance, insisting that the move would not affect the country's energy supply, labeling it a politically motivated action.